Energy use patterns and renovations of Swedish second homes

Abstract

Abstract During and post pandemic more people spent time in their second homes, which is expected to have led to higher energy use for heating. The knowledge of energy performance, heating systems, energy renovation and use patterns of second homes is still poor. The aim of the research is therefore to compile available information from building registers but also to empirically investigate user patterns, heating source and the renovation and energy efficiency measures carried out in second homes. A first step is to synthesize existing knowledge and develop a method for a broad mapping in a next step. The methods used are analysing statistics from national building registers and collecting information from owners/users through a pre-survey that is developed and tested. In this paper statistics on Swedish second homes and results from a pre-survey responded by 92 second homes owners/users are reported. From statistics, the energy performance and the main heating source for second homes with an EPC are identified. Despite the limited sample, the results from the pre-survey give an indication of user patterns, energy renovation measures carried out, and also whether the owners care about cultural values. Based on the experience from the pre-survey, a national survey has been initiated in Sweden.